Hi, I need to change the crankshaft sensor which is located under the oil filter, have tried to get to it, but its somewhat impossible to remove, let alone to replace.

Maybe a silly question, but as the oil was only changed last month, would it be possible to remove the filter without draining the oil as the filter is quite high up on the block? I realise I will lose some oil and I will replace it with a new filter, but am I likely to meet any unforeseen problems, such as gushing oil?

Thanks in advance

K